Glutamine is a vital fuel for rapidly dividing cells, including enterocytes, fibroblasts, reticuloendothelial cells, and malignant cells. Which cell type is explicitly listed as a target of glutamine energy?

• A. Enterocytes
• B. Neurons
• C. Platelets
• D. Adipocytes

Answer: (A)

Glutamine is a major energy fuel for rapidly dividing cells, especially in the gut and immune system. Enterocytes lining the intestinal mucosa rely on glutamine for energy to support their high turnover and barrier function, metabolizing it to drive the TCA cycle and provide carbon for biosynthesis. In this context, the cell type explicitly identified as a glutamine energy target is enterocytes, matching their well-known dependence on glutamine for energy and metabolism. Neurons mainly use glucose (and ketone bodies under certain conditions), platelets rely on glycolysis from glucose, and adipocytes primarily utilize fatty acids and glucose for lipid storage and energy—not glutamine as their main energy source.